Oberheim OB-X8 Desktop Analog Synth Module

The OB-X8 keyboard has been universally acclaimed for bringing Oberheim’s classic tone to a whole new generation. And now, all of its sounds, synthesis features, and top panel controls are available in a compact package that will fit everyone’s creative space.

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For the first time ever, the new OB-X8 desktop version condenses all the sonic power of the Oberheim OB-X, OB-Xa and OB-8 into a footprint that’s compact enough for studios of any size, and convenient enough to take out on the road.

“The original OB synths were jam-packed with components and took up a lot of space. There was no way you could contemplate getting even a four-voice version of that sound out of a desktop or rack-mount unit,” mused Tom Oberheim. “Well, here we are in 2023: eight voices of our amazing OB-X8 three-in-one synthesizer now comes in a size that fits your studio.”

Think Small, Play Big

The OB-X8 desktop module boasts an identical sound engine to the keyboard version, featuring an all-analog signal path with discrete VCOs, VCAs, and filters. And with its knob-per-function sound designing experience, you’ll have immediate access to virtually all the synth’s parameters, allowing you to create your own unique sounds with ease and precision.

Pure Analog

The audio signal path of the OB-X8 is all analog, filled with warmth and punch. It’s the same trademark Oberheim sound that made iconic tracks like 1999 by Prince, Jump by Van Halen, and Tom Sawyer by Rush so unforgettable. And now it’s yours to enhance your own music.

All New Sounds

The classic OB-series factory sounds that you know from countless recordings are all here. But that’s just the start: our network of world-class sound designers has created jaw-dropping new sounds just for the OB-X8. And because the OB-X8 has a clear and easy-to-grasp set of controls, creating your own sounds is as easy as turning a few knobs and saving what you like.

Three In One

The OB-X8 combines the three different voice architectures of the OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 into a single instrument. The individual filter types and other unique characteristics of each model have been faithfully reproduced, giving you the most authentic OB experience possible. You can even mix elements of different models to create sounds never possible with the originals. There’s never been an OB-series synth as powerful and versatile.

Page 2022

OB insiders know that the myriad of “Page 2″ functions unlocked the hidden power of the original OB-8. We’ve included all of the classic Page 2 parameters and created new ones for 2022, giving you direct access to 40+ nuanced controls such as additional SEM filter modes, per-voice panning, LFO keyboard tracking, Mod delay time and envelope inversion, independent pulse width control, and much more.

  

Specifications

 

Hardware 

• 8-voice pure-analog polyphony 
• Two discrete OB-X/SEM-lineage VCOs per voice deliver classic punchy Oberheim tone 
• Discrete SEM-lineage VCFs deliver authentic OB-X-style tone and presence 
• Genuine Curtis filters add bold OB-Xa/OB-8 character 
• Meticulously modeled envelope responses match each OB model: OB-X, Ob-Xa, and OB-8 
• Bi-timbral capability allows two presets simultaneously for splits and doubles 
• 400-plus factory programs, including the full set of factory sounds for the OB-X, OB-SX, Ob-Xa, and OB-8 
• Integral fan-less, heatsink-free power supply 
• Real walnut end cheeks 
• High-resolution OLED display enables patch management and easy access to advanced features 

 

Enhancements 

• Additional SEM filter modes add high-pass, band-pass, and notch functions to the classic OB-X filter 
• Vintage knob allows variable amounts of voice-to-voice variability to emulate the behavior of vintage instruments  
• Velocity response adds expressiveness to volume and filter  
• Channel Aftertouch response adds real-time performance-based modulation 
• Enhanced unison allows variable voice stacking from 1-8 voices 
• Programmable per-voice pan allows wider stereo presence 
• Variable oscillator and noise levels 
• Variable triangle wave cross-modulation 
• Over 600 user-programmable preset locations 

  

Ins & Outs 

• L/R Stereo and Mono outputs 
• Volume, Sustain, and Filter pedal inputs 
• Arpeggiator clock input 
• MIDI In, Out, Thru 
• USB

  

OB-X8 desktop module weighs 9 lbs. 9 oz. (4.34 kg) and measures 22.00” L x 8.50” W x 4” H (55.88 cm x 21.59 cm x 10.16 cm).